This will consist of questions that one asks that will help to separate the relevant from the irrelevant from the reference sources. It will be useful to formulate the questions and decide on the best methods that can be used to seek answers for them. It will guide the researcher through the initial stages of research and in particular, the chosen topic. Later on, this initial proposal can be revised in the light of the evidence produced by the sources. There are a few factors to note in this process.
If one wishes to emphasize the contribution planned, then one must specifically talk about the subject matter. Supposing it were political changes in Mysore between 1917-1955, it would have to emphasize that particular source and have it stated in the title.
This can be a maximum of two to three paragraphs and it should include at least a statement of purpose and those fundamental questions which will guide your enquiry. This can also have references stating why it was selected it and how others have studied it before. And therefore, it will also outline how to plan to contribute to the body of knowledge.
This is not a complete bibliography but it should contain the kinds of sources that you plan to consult.
Procedure or how to go about your research is very important. It will mention the type of evidence that one intends to collect. For e.g., how does one expect to determine the influence or the impact of that research problem? What are the indicators of the influence on a person or on an institution and how will you understand or perceive its impact?
This outline will indicate how to organise the findings, what findings can be grouped together and in what sequence they must be stated. At this stage one can use questions and sub-questions instead of statements and sub-statements. This will give a proper focus to the enquiry.
Here, again, it will have to be divide it into two sources; the primary sources and the secondary sources. Here, wherever it is possible, it is important to use primary sources. But for certain topics where primary sources are very minimal, secondary sources can form the main body.
This involves determining the originality of the sources, the extent of matter and content that each of the sources furnish and finally, the periods in which the sources have been written and compiled so that it can be referred from.
The notes have to be made according to its relevance to the subject and it can be in the form of cross references which may involve two or more texts at the same time. It may also include the personal opinions or published matter pertaining to an individual or a group or an institution.
The entire content of the thesis has to fulfil the aim of the research given at the beginning by the researcher. The researcher must make sure the material is adequate, relevant and reliable. The first draft must be drawn out after checking the style grammar and language used.
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Research Methodology for Performing Arts
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